EMU Believes…

Peacebuilding

The Mennonite community from which EMU grew is known worldwide for bringing people together to solve conflicts with words, rather than weapons. It’s not always easy, but it’s core to who we are. Peace and restorative justice are regular topics of conversation here, in the classroom and out.

We live in an increasingly connected world. Here, we ask ourselves how our choices affect others across the globe.

Our well-known cross-cultural program – over three decades old – is one of the strongest cross-cultural study programs in the country. It is part of what makes EMU a Christian university like no other.

When you’ve traveled to Central America, visited the coffee bean fields, and stayed with the struggling farmers, you begin to grasp the big picture. Or when your cross-cultural studies take you to the South African township of Soweto to learn about the history and lingering impact of apartheid first-hand, your sense of empathy is deepened, along with your understanding of our inter-connected world.

Sustainability and stewardship

EMU was practicing sustainability long before “green” became trendy. Our energy efficient buildings are some of the best performing college facilities in the country.

Our solar array on the Hartzler Library roof was the largest solar installation in the state of Virginia when it was installed in 2010. Our campus garden provides produce for the dining hall; compostable waste from the dining hall feeds the garden. Sustainability is woven into the curriculum on many levels.

Faith and fellowship

Faith is important at EMU. We’re all journeying together – though we may take different paths – toward deepening our faith, learning how we might live out that faith day to day, and reaching academic and professional goals.

Chapels throughout the week, Sunday evening celebrations, worship through music, Bible studies in residence halls, prayer partners willing to support you throughout your year… these are some of of the ways undergraduate students connect to Christ on campus. Other students enjoy being part of a network of adult learners who share similar values and goals.

Service to others

Reaching out to others is important. At EMU, you’ll participate in community service and maybe even find it life changing. Many alumni do voluntary service for a year or more after graduation, or even for a lifetime through church ministry and in other service professions.

Learn more

EMU is rooted in the Christian tradition and the Mennonite Anabaptist perspective. About a third of undergraduate students come from a Mennonite or Anabaptist background; a much smaller percentage of graduate students have connections to Mennonite congregations.